The profile covers various highlights, dating back to 1975 when the idea was first proposed to form a society for cosmetic chemists. It also looks at how the Coschem Diploma in Cosmetic Science has evolved over the past 40 years, and shares the immense success of the 2012 IFSCC congress, which took place in South Africa at the Sandton Convention Centre.

A formidable society

Coschem has been the driving force behind South Africa’s thriving cosmetics industry for four decades and continues to shape the future of the industry.

The society was first established in 1977 by Norman Sanan, Len Waskis, Aubrey Parsons, Veronica Dandy, Ebrahim Kalla, Archie Kennedy and Ken Amoils. Their objective was to create a home for South Africa’s cosmetic scientists to discuss common issues, share knowledge and receive education and training. This mandate is still in place today, though the society has undergone many changes over the past 40 years.